Gel Super Glue Under Water Use?

I am trying to attach my java fern plantlets to my rocks and wedging them is not working. I read about using a super glue gel to glue them on. Can I apply that gel while the rock is still underwater or do I need to remove the plant and rock from the water to glue them together?

 

You should probably remove them from the water and dry the application site first.

 

Do I need to wait for the glue to dry before putting it back in the tank or can I just glue it and let it sit for about a minute and then put it back in?

 

...Can I apply that gel while the rock is still underwater or do I need to remove the plant and rock from the water to glue them together?

You can, but it's messy. I've generally had better results removing the hardscape and adding glue out of the water.

 

I've read that you can use super glue underwater, but I've always lowered the water level to where I wanted to add glue to. It doesn't require waiting for the contact areas to dry either. Just dab, add, and top off the tank again.

 

I've read that you can use super glue underwater, but I've always lowered the water level to where I wanted to add glue to. It doesn't require waiting for the contact areas to dry either. Just dab, add, and top off the tank again.

The issue with that for me is my rocks are at the bottom of my tank and I would have to lower the water level to about 1.5 inches. I don't think that my 30ish guppies would like that.

 

The issue with that for me is my rocks are at the bottom of my tank and I would have to lower the water level to about 1.5 inches. I don't think that my 30ish guppies would like that.

Well, you have two options then. Glue underwater or take out plant and rock first. Do whichever is easier. I've never done the former.

 

Do you think I could use hotglue or would the heat harm the plant? The glue cools down fairly quickly.

 

No! You can only use specific types of glue in aquariums. Gel super glue is the okay type. You're looking for a super glue with Cyanoacrylate as it's ingredient.

 

I am trying to attach my java fern plantlets to my rocks and wedging them is not working. I read about using a super glue gel to glue them on. Can I apply that gel while the rock is still underwater or do I need to remove the plant and rock from the water to glue them together?

Forget the glue and use a rubber band by the time it rots off you plant is attached it's what I use

 

Personally I don’t like to use gel super glue under water. I make a mess with it and have a hard time getting things to hold right. I much prefer attaching out of water. I use paper towel to get excess water off both surfaces. They don’t end up dry by any means, but damp. Glue the plant then put it to the wood/rock I want and hold with pressure for 20-30 seconds. If it is stiff enough to hold the plant I put it under water. Water will set(cure) the glue in seconds.

I just finished gluing 14 plants to 6 pieces of driftwood myself. If you use superglue, grab some fingernail polish remover. Make sure it contains acetone. Do not get the kind without acetone we it won’t work. Acetone will dissolve any superglue you get on your fingers or the counter. Do not use it on stained wood, it will eat the finish... incase the counter is stained. Also use a tooth pick pick for more precise placement of glue or to remove excess globs.

As for hot glue, I’m sure thicker hardy plants could withstand low temp glue. I think it would scar them but they’d live through it if that makes sense. I don’t think it will hold as well. Plus the guppies will pick at the glue strings which if eaten could cause an obstruction.